Give Me Love Like Never Before
A/N: Sorry, sorry a million apologies for not updating all these months! A lot of changes in my life and TVD also was on a break. To say the truth I missed it and thus lacked inspiration. I also found that many Klaroline fics were on a lull. Anyway happy to post an update after the episode Caroline first mentioned Klaus in this season #our situation has come to this :( #
For me the fanfiction alerts is not working. Is it the same with all of you? I am afraid I will lose a considerable amount of readers because of this! So please review atleast this chapter!
%% Your reviews will only help me make a decision to continue this story or not. Please tell me after reading this chapter %%
Disclaimer: I do not own TVD
Chapter 13
Klaus really felt great being back at his office. It was as if returning to his den where he knew he was the alpha and was in control of everything around him. Even the usually sleepy faced boring manager Mr. Wilkins's face brought a smile to his lips. Klaus also realized that the trip was a much needed break from his monotonous professional life and conflicting personal life. It helped him to clear his thoughts and to refresh his mind. He discovered lot of potential markets for his company during the trip and how Mikael had suppressed many from having any new ideas. Klaus felt that if Mikael doesn't change according to the new trends and different localities, their company might soon face a crisis.
But beyond all this was the fact that he had bonded with his blonde assistant. Before this trip Klaus was really worried how he was going to manage to spend weeks in strange countries with Caroline without killing each other. But strangely Klaus felt as if he discovered her true character only from this trip. In fact he was surprised to realize that he indeed loved her company during the trip. Still wondering how that happened Klaus opened the door to his room to find someone else sitting in his chair.
He was furious as to who would even dare to enter his room in his absence that he was startled to see his very own little devil brother smirking down at him. "Hello boss! Welcome back" greeted Kol grinning. Klaus just shook his head and closed the door behind him. "What are you doing here?" asked Klaus sounding irritated. Kol made a fake gesture as if he was hurt by his question and replied, "What? No hi brother? It is so nice to see you after a long time?" Klaus rolled his eyes at his theatrics and questioned, "Seriously, what do you want?"
Kol just shrugged and told, "Nothing. I just wanted to meet my beloved brother. But only when I reached here did I come to know that he had gone on a trip with his beautiful assistant" "It was a business trip" replied Klaus going through his files not even glancing up at his brother. "Well that's what it is called. But come on, only two of you in a foreign land. It must be more than just a business trip" teased Kol. "You know what? I don't have time for any of your stupid speculations" answered a tired Klaus. "Fine, I will come to the point. I came here for help" said Kol.
Klaus looked genuinely surprised. In all the years he had known his little brother, Kol had never been the one to ask for help. So Klaus merely raised his eyebrows. Kol settled opposite to Klaus and spoke as he played with his keys, "I think of being in this city for quite some time and would like to get a work here. Before you could suggest something stupid like working in this company let me make it clear that I have no idea of being another Mikaelson working in the Mikaelson Motors and I would like to get a job on my own merit"
Klaus looked thoughtfully at Kol for a few minutes, happy that his brother had decided to be responsible at last but still wondered what or who had brought about the change. "Well, if you really want to, you could join a newspaper or magazine as a photographer. Actually Stefan's brother is a journalist" offered Klaus. "That's good" smiled Kol releasing a sigh of relief. Klaus smirked at him and asked, "Just out of curiosity, why did you suddenly decide to get a job? That too in New York? I thought you hated this city. Last I remember, you scoffed at us for settling down here" Kol squirmed to Klaus' delight and replied, "Well people change. Opinions change. Maybe I wanted to be with my favourite brother and sister" Klaus scoffed at him and told, "Yeah, right"
Kol looked offended and argued, "Just because I am not around you all much, doesn't mean I don't love you guys. Sure I may be the odd one out" When Klaus looked confused Kol continued, "What? Don't look confused. We all know how close you and Bekah are. We also know how much she adores Elijah and how much he likes to protect you. It is me who has always been the one who is left out. I am sure you wouldn't even remember that such a brother exists if I don't visit you all once in a while. You know…"
His rambling was cut short when he saw that Klaus was standing there with a new professional camera in his hand with amusement written all over his face. Kol looked dumbstruck as he approached the camera. "Oh my god! This is every photographer's dream camera. How did you get this?" asked Kol with reverence. "Well I know someone who loves photography. So when I saw this in Japan, I could only think of him" answered Klaus handing it over to Kol.
Kol took it and examined it carefully afraid that it may break if he held it firmly. He looked at Klaus gratefully and tried to hug him while saying, "Thanks a lot, brother" But they felt awkward hugging each other and ended up shaking hands. Klaus was pleased to see a genuinely smiling Kol which reminded him of his little brother who was innocent and carefree. That was when he heard a knock on the door.
The door opened to reveal Caroline who looked confused to see Kol there. "Sorry if I was interrupting" apologised Caroline swiftly trying to retreat. Even before Klaus could respond, Kol said, "Oh, so you are the beautiful blonde assistant my brother has!" giving Caroline a once over. Klaus expression hardened to see that his brother openly hit on his assistant. "Kol" warned Klaus in a low voice. "What? You would just roll your eyes whenever I flirted with your previous assistants. Why suddenly are you throwing daggers at me?" laughed Kol.
"Because I am tired of having to protect all my assistants from you" replied Klaus. But even he was not able to explain the sense of irritation the flirting caused. Definitely this was not the case with his other assistants. "Well I will come back later" said Caroline who was squirming uncomfortably when the brothers had their interesting conversation. "No it is okay. I was leaving anyway. Well it seems you are having your share of fun, Nik. Don't do anything I would" winked Kol and turned to leave but not before saying to Caroline, "Don't forget that you owe me a drink, sweetheart"
Klaus just shook his head at his brother and turned to face an amused Caroline. "Sorry about my brother. He is just a harmless flirt" apologised Klaus. Caroline laughed and replied, "Oh I discovered it in the party itself. Don't worry." Klaus noticed how her entire face light up when she laughed and how she had the most beautiful laugh he had ever heard. 'That is some unnecessary thinking' thought Klaus clearing his throat. "Well since we came home only yesterday, I am leaving early today. Now that I think of it, you could also use some rest. Why don't you take off after lunch?" suggested Klaus. Caroline brightened at his words and said, "Really? Oh thanks a lot, Klaus!" for which Klaus just raised his eyebrows. "Fine, thank you, Mr. Mikaelson" amended Caroline curtsying. "That is better" said Klaus trying to sound sterner but failing miserably resulting in both of them laughing hard.
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Jenna looked at Alaric's desk wondering when he would come as she had to confirm about one of the dealings today. But truly it was just an excuse to search for him. For a while now, Jenna had known that Alaric fancied her and she would be lying if she said she wasn't interested in him. But the reason why she didn't do anything about that was due to the fact that she was afraid of getting hurt again. Logan Fell was Jenna's ex-boyfriend who she thought would be the love of her life. But only later did she find out that he was cheating behind her back all the time and acted normal for ages. When she found out about it, he was unrepentant of it saying that she was his one true love and others were just flings.
He also said that she had no need to be so worried and that he would never leave her. That did it for Jenna when she realized that he didn't even feel sorry about what he did and thought of her only as a trophy girlfriend. Since then Jenna had always been wary of guys who tried to even flirt with her. But over the years she didn't fail to notice that Alaric was a smart, funny and kind guy. Maybe, just maybe it wouldn't hurt to give it a chance. "Daydreaming about someone who sits in front of you?" waved someone in front of her eyes bringing her out of her reverie. Jenna turned to see Caroline smiling mischievously at her. Jenna jumped out of her seat to hug Caroline. It maybe hard to believe but she missed Caroline so much when she wasn't there.
Even though she had known Caroline for only a short time, it was tough not to be miss her enthusiasm, laughter and friendly advices. Caroline was one friend who understood her perfectly and shared her interests. So it was only natural that she missed her presence. "Caroline, so happy to see you!" exclaimed Jenna. "Well, it looked like you were missing someone else" teased Caroline wiggling her eyebrows. "Oh come on. How was your trip? How did you survive?" enquired Jenna eagerly trying to change the subject. "Well the trip was good. No actually great" told Caroline.
"What?" asked Jenna surprised. "What? The places were good, the people were great. What more do you want?" demanded Caroline. "Yeah, but…" Jenna's reply was cut short by Alaric who looked a bit nervous but also determined at the same time. "Hi Caroline, Jenna" acknowledged Alaric. "Hi Alaric! Anyway I have to get back to work. So see you guys" said Caroline clearly trying to leave those two alone 'subtly' but miserably failing to. Jenna groaned internally and faced Alaric a lot more confident than she felt "So you were saying".
Alaric cleared his throat and said, "Um, yeah. I just wanted to say to you that the dealer you recommended had agreed to meet us tomorrow evening at 6. So if you are free, we could meet them together, you know. Just because you know to handle them better" completed Alaric in a rush. Jenna squirmed uncomfortably unable to decide and replied, "Hmmm, I don't know Ric. It is just…" "Oh it's okay. Isobel said she would be happy to accompany me if you are not free. So no problem, really" said Alaric disappointed starting back to his desk. "Wait, at what time did you say it was?" asked Jenna hurriedly. "At 6" replied Alaric. Jenna laughed nervously and clarified, "Oh I am free at that time. I heard it as 5. I will meet you there at 6". "Oh ok" said Alaric and turned confused obviously taken aback by her sudden change of mind. Jenna just hit herself in head, cursing herself.
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The house was too quiet for Elena's liking. Usually she always preferred a quiet alone time for herself when it came to writing. But today she hated it. Katherine was out doing god knows what and Jeremy and Bonnie were out on a date. But that was not the reason why she felt alone. Usually when she sat down to write alone, she knew that Stefan's warm embrace and hot chocolate were always waiting for her to help her relax. Though she would be lost in her work, there will always be a small part of her which was constantly aware that someone was there for her. But now she felt truly alone.
She still didn't regret the decision but she cannot also deny that Stefan was the best thing to happen to her. When her ex-boyfriends just laughed and ridiculed her idea of being an author, Stefan was amazed to hear her dream. When everyone brushed off or just pretended to listen to her ramblings about her work, he truly believed in her and encouraged her to write more. He was her best compliment and worst criticism. He genuinely cared for her interest. Stefan didn't just love her but respected her for who she was. So it was not a question if she would miss him because she was not complete without him.
But at what prize was the question? She was afraid that maybe she was too dependent on him. She couldn't see reason when it came to him. And she may remain stagnant as an unpublished writer if she continues to be content being Stefan's girlfriend. To say the truth, Katherine's arrival was Elena's first wake up call. She was surprised to see her twin sister who was a nobody when she left home, return as the leading fashion designer for the American film world while she, the most promising student of her high school was still an unemployed, chasing her dreams living in the shadows of her boyfriend.
She never thought the day would come but she was actually jealous of Katherine. In her childhood, she did feel sorry for her sister when everybody compared them and ridiculed Katherine, but she realized how much her sister hated her only from the murderous looks she sent Elena's way. From then on, Katherine had always looked at her with contempt and despised Elena completely. She didn't realize how much she had lost until Katherine left them and even now sometimes wished there could be some way they could forget all the misgivings and love each other. She really missed a sister's soothing words especially in times like these. 'Bet that is not going to happen any time soon' thought Elena trying to start her work at last. But when she turned around, she saw 'Wuthering Heights' lying on her desk bringing back everything she wanted to bury deep inside her. She got up to retire for the day unable to get anything done but if the tears in her eyes were any indication she was in for a long night.
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Damon drummed his fingers on the table waiting to meet someone in a diner. He was losing his patience as time went by. He would have definitely left if this person hadn't done a world of good to his career. Yes, he was waiting for the great Katherine Gilbert. Damon was first surprised when Katherine had offered help without asking. He never thought he would get help especially from her. Damon's first impression of Katherine was nothing but that she was a conniving, jealous woman who enjoyed making Elena's life hell. But as he interacted more, he found that she was hurt beneath the confident mask and had worked really hard to achieve this much in her life.
Only when he met the actress she recommended, did he realize how influential Katherine was and how she was adored by celebrities alike. That interview did a world of good for Damon and chances were that he may likely get a promotion he had been waiting for decades. So yes he owed it all to Katherine. "Missing me already?" questioned a silky voice near his ear making him turn to face a smirking Katherine. "Oh no, you wouldn't give me that pleasure, would you?" retorted Damon. "Whatever, you say" brushed off Katherine settling opposite to him.
"So I guess the interview went well, seeing that you are in an awfully good mood" speculated Katherine. "Went well is grossly an understatement. I received such a royal treatment when I told it was you who sent me. What is it about you that make everyone fall for your fake charm?" asked Damon. "Well, have you fallen too?" teased Katherine with a mischievous smile. "Right, you wish" snorted Damon. "Oh, yeah. Don't you love the less attractive version of me? Sorry, I forgot" smirked Katherine. "I don't love, Elena" said Damon through his gritted teeth. "Well, your mood says otherwise. Tell me the truth. Didn't you enjoy a bit too much when Elena broke up with Stefan? Didn't you even hope a little that maybe this was your best shot at Elena?" questioned Katherine.
Damon was speechless as he was afraid to admit that it was exactly what was going through his mind. He for one didn't exactly enjoy the fact that he loved Stefan and Elena's break up. But what scared him even more was the fact that Katherine was able to read his mind like an open book. "I knew it. Let me just say one thing because I don't hate you. You are wasting your time on Elena. No matter what happens, she will never see you as more than a friend" advised Katherine. "Yeah, says the girl who knows everything about love" smirked Damon. "Who told you I don't know anything about love" challenged Katherine raising her eyebrows. "Anyway I have to go to a Hollywood birthday party tomorrow and you are going to be my date. Black tie optional. Pick me up at Elena's at 5. Okay?" instructed Katherine.
"Whoa, whoa wait. Haven't you been on a date before? It is definitely not done this way. When did I even agree to come tomorrow?" demanded Damon. "Well there are going to be tons of Hollywood stars and your magazine has a chance to exclusively cover that party. I thought it was self-explanatory" shrugged Katherine. Damon nodded slowly with his narrowed eyes before saying, "If I didn't know you better I would say you fancy me". Katherine snorted and told, "Right, you wish! Now hurry up and get some beauty sleep because I don't want my date to be ugly" said Katherine starting to leave the diner. Before she left she winked and wished, "Sweet dreams". Damon just shook his head but still couldn't get his slight smile off his lips. Katherine may not be his ideal friend but she sure as hell was an interesting one.
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Klaus gathered the papers he required to go through at home and prepared to leave. Though it was nice to be back, there was so much to be done and he definitely needed a well earned rest if he had to shake off the jet lag. Mentally checking over if he had got everything, Klaus made his way out of his room only to find Caroline still working. If he remembered correctly, he had told her to take off after lunch. Wondering what was so important that kept her even after she had his permission, Klaus approached her. "Sincere, much?" asked Klaus startling her in the process. "Oh, hey. No I am not that good. It is just that my friend Lexi had to take off early today due to family emergency and she needed some work to be done by tonight. So just helping her out" explained Caroline with a tired smile, her exhaustion evident in her eyes.
"You mean the one in Quality control? Well then it is her problem! Why should you stay back? Why should you adjust when you clearly look like you could drop dead any time now?" questioned a puzzled Klaus. He really couldn't understand the logic behind sacrificing one's own comfort to complete the work of someone else. "Well she is my friend and she needed my help" answered Caroline as if it was that simple. "But why should you adjust? I mean did you at least tell her that if you work for her today she would have to take care of yours tomorrow? " persisted Klaus.
"Klaus you need to understand one thing. For success in career, we should work hard without any compromise, only then we will succeed. But in relationships, even losing to others is victory! Because we get their love back in return" elucidated Caroline. "But…" interrupted Klaus. "See open your palm" demanded Caroline. "What?" asked Klaus taken aback. "Oh come on" said Caroline opening both his palms. She poured some water into it making Klaus to exclaim, "What are you doing? Are you crazy?" "Shh, these are your friends, family and colleagues" saying so she brought both the palms closer, "the more you adjust your life, as many stay with you". She then started bending every finger inside the palm resulting in water escaping out of his palms, "but if you lay rules and demands and try to catch them in your fist, nobody will stay with you".
She leaned back and continued, "You will be happy but only a little if you do it for yourself but if you do anything that others like, your happiness will be abound." Klaus looked at her strangely and declared as he retreated, "You are crazy! Just be clear that I won't give any special permission like today in the future. And you are definitely going to regret not utilizing this one" Caroline just shook her head in response and went back to work. However, Klaus still went through what she said in his mind. Maybe that was why he was alone. He had always wanted his family to be together but he wouldn't deny that he was always controlling. But that was because that was the only way he knew to love. Still Caroline's little lesson left him a lot to ponder over. Damn, she ruined his perfect plan to have a relaxing evening!
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Stefan weaved through the crowd acknowledging people as he went by but frustrated that the one person he wanted to see was nowhere to be found. He had actually agreed to come to this boring party, which Klaus had ridiculed to the point of mockery, only to meet the brunette beauty. He met her when she had come to visit her brother the week before and since then he had been undeniably attracted to her. He didn't know why, not because there were no reason to, because she was smart, pretty, witty and strong, a rare combination in girls these days.
But it was something more than that. He knew it was the party he hated the most but still he had to know her. And he was willing to take any chance for it. "Hi, Stefan" called out a voice on the side lines which made him to locate the girl of the moment. Stefan glided over to her smiling at her and returning her greeting. "So I heard from Jeremy that you don't attend parties like these. I am surprised to see you here" revealed Elena. "Well, why shouldn't I? What else did you hear?" asked Stefan. "Well, let me see. I heard that you were the right hand of Niklaus Mikaelson, who was cool and confident and I quote Jeremy 'think this party is a sorry excuse for getting drunk' " finished Elena with an impish smile.
Stefan gave an embarrassed smile and replied, "Well I changed my mind". "If you say so" shrugged Elena. "So still firm on the idea of becoming an author?" questioned Stefan. Unlike Elena's other friends, Stefan didn't ask in a ridiculing tone. In fact, he appeared to be intrigued by the idea. "Yeah, still hung up on it. I know it is a weird choice, but still that's what I love" answered Elena. "No, it is not weird. Actually, it is amazing to hear that in a world where every girl is only interested in shopping, fashion and looks, there is still one who loves books and that too trying to be an author is awesome" praised Stefan.
Elena just smiled in return thankful to know that at least someone believed in her. Stefan dug through his bag and took out a worn out old book. "Here, this is for you. Thought you would like it" said Stefan handing it over to Elena. Elena took it and examined it with interest. "Wow! Wuthering heights by Ellis Bell! Where did you get it?" enquired an excited Elena. "Well it was my grandmother's copy. I like to collect original editions of book. So here it is" explained Stefan. "You know, I still can't believe she didn't use her real name" exclaimed Elena. .
"All the Bronte sisters used pseudonyms. It was the time. Female writers weren't very accepted then unlike now where almost all the best sellers are written by women" smiled Stefan. "Well thank you! I would definitely return it" promised Elena. "It's okay. Take your time" said Stefan. "I can't believe it. It is really thoughtful of you" told Elena still not completely able to wrap her mind over the fact that a person she had only met once had actually remembered about her love for this wonderful book. "It's fine, really" repeated Stefan. He didn't know why, but her smile was so infectious and pure that it warmed his heart. He yearned for it more and hoped he would be at the receiving end of this beautiful smile for a long time.
Stefan sighed for the hundredth time that evening still unable to shake the happy moments he and Elena shared over the years which was annoyingly haunting him for a long while now. Ever since his break up with her, Stefan tried convincing himself that it would be fine soon and there would be a day when he would no longer miss Elena. However it looked impossible as days passed by. Every little thing reminded him of her right from the shirt buttons she sewed for him to the curtains she picked for his apartment. Every place and everything around him held memories of her. That was the reason why Stefan was holed up in his office at that odd hour. His phone began to ring bringing him out of his thoughts.
"Hello brother, any idea of returning back home?" asked Damon in a singsong manner. "Damon, I have got work. I really have to finish it today, so stop pestering me" grumbled Stefan. "The problem is I know you too well, brother. I know you have nothing to do there and you are just trying to drown yourself in misery. But that is stupid of you. Come on, we could go get drunk, brother bond over some tequilas, if you…you know, want some quality time" cajoled Damon.
"Seriously Damon, I am fine. Stop checking on me and please leave me alone" retorted Stefan cutting off the call. He groaned rubbing his eyes when his eyes caught on something on screen in his laptop. He pulled the laptop closer to him and clicked furiously, repeatedly saying, "Oh god, no no no, please be no" After reading that a million times, he furiously shut the laptop cursing, "Shit, we are in deep shit" He quickly dialled Klaus's number and exclaimed "Klaus, we are royally screwed!"
A/N: So how was it? Please please review and tell me if I should continue. I really go to great lengths to get this chapter up. So please let me know if it is worth it. It is all upto you now.
